2016 Nicolas Jay, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

With its deep, dark blackberry colour, this gorgeous Pinot Noir still both looks and feels impressively youthful. The nose is fabulous, full of sweet red cherry and fresh raspberry with a volcanic, granitic lift to the aroma. It is aromatically pure with subtle, savoury touches of charcutérie and fresh leather but all is held in check by a wonderful minerality and fruit freshness.

The palate is gorgeously vibrant. This absolutely has the precision and focus of Nicolas-Jay’s subsequent L’Ensemble cuvées. Almost quartz-like, this is so pure, clear and alive. The tannins are chalky-fine and the long length continues on and on. This is brilliant now but would certainly benefit from some more time before it really starts to sing.

Drink now to 2034

Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (November 2022)